-If your boat is less than 16 feet long, a buoyant cushion is no longer considered a legal personal floatation device. It is now a legal requirement that on a boat this size, every passenger must have a Type I, II or III Personal Floatation Device. This includes use of canoes and kayaks.-All life vests or jackets must be US Coast Guard approved. Go to the US Coast Guard's website for more information on their requirements.-Be familiar with your life jacket- wear it, adjust it and test it while in the water to know what to expect in the event of an emergency.-Keep your life jackets out and accessible while on the water. Do not store them in plastic or in hard to reach places, as they must be ready to put on quickly.-Every passenger, even if they are not planning on swimming, must have a life jacket.